U.S. patent number 8,085,143 [Application Number 12/470,969] was granted by the patent office on 2011-12-27 for universal wireless transceiver.
This patent grant is currently assigned to OMEGA Engineering, Inc.. Invention is credited to Milton B. Hollander, Michael A. Macchiarelli.
United States Patent |
8,085,143 |
Hollander , et al. |
December 27, 2011 |
Universal wireless transceiver
Abstract
A wireless transceiver includes a microprocessor for processing
signals and communication circuitry coupled to the microprocessor.
The communication circuitry includes input/output circuitry for
receiving signals from a plurality of wireless devices over a
wireless communication path, for providing the signals to the
microprocessor, and for transmitting processed signals from the
microprocessor to the plurality of wireless devices. The
input/output circuitry of the transceiver includes a non-wireless
connection coupling the wireless transceiver to a test and
measurement device. The test and measurement device receives the
processed signals from the microprocessor, processes the received
signal and data and/or information encoded therein, and performs a
predetermined response thereto.
Inventors: |
Hollander; Milton B. (Stamford,
CT), Macchiarelli; Michael A. (Shelton, CT) |
Assignee: |
OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
(Stamford, CT)
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Family
ID: |
42629533 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/470,969 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090315725 A1 |
Dec 24, 2009 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11877285 |
Oct 23, 2007 |
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60862697 |
Oct 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/514;
340/538.17; 455/423; 455/73; 340/531; 340/539.19; 340/539.24;
340/538.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B
1/034 (20130101); H04Q 9/00 (20130101); H04Q
2209/86 (20130101); H04Q 2209/10 (20130101); H04Q
2209/43 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
29/00 (20060101); G08B 1/08 (20060101); H04W
24/00 (20090101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/514 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crosland; Donnie
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Michaud-Kinney Group LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority
to U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 11/877,285, filed Oct. 23,
2007 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/862,697, filed Oct. 24, 2006. The disclosures of these U.S.
patent documents are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wireless transceiver, comprising: a microprocessor for
processing signals; communication circuitry coupled to the
microprocessor, the communication circuitry including input/output
circuitry for receiving the signals from a plurality of wireless
devices over a wireless communication path, providing the signals
to the microprocessor and for transmitting processed signals from
the microprocessor to the plurality of wireless devices; wherein
the input/output circuitry includes a non-wireless connection
coupling the wireless transceiver to a test and measurement device,
and wherein the test and measurement device receives the processed
signals from the microprocessor.
2. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, wherein the input/output
circuitry includes a transceiver.
3. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
wireless devices include at least one device having a sensor for
sensing a process variable and a transmitter for transmitting the
process variable as data and/or information within signals to the
wireless transceiver over the wireless communication path.
4. The wireless transceiver of claim 3, wherein the process
variable includes at least one of temperature, voltage, humidity,
pressure, strain, resistance, motion, light, current, velocity and
flow.
5. The wireless transceiver of claim 3, wherein the test and
measurement device processes the received signal and data and/or
information encoded therein and performs a predetermined response
thereto.
6. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, wherein the input/output
circuitry include digital and/or analog input/output circuitry.
7. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, wherein the processed
signals transmitted from the microprocessor to the plurality of
wireless devices include data, information, and command and control
signals.
8. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, wherein the processor
controls communication from the plurality of wireless devices by
individually recognizing each of the plurality of wireless devices
and assigning different communication channels within the wireless
communication path.
9. The wireless transceiver of claim 8, wherein the different
communication channels include different frequencies, time slots,
chipping codes, and other differentiating communication
characteristics.
10. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, further comprising power
regulator circuitry for providing power to the wireless
transceiver.
11. The wireless transceiver of claim 10, wherein the power
regulator circuitry receives the power for the wireless transceiver
from the test and measurement device.
12. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, wherein the non-wireless
connection coupling the wireless transceiver to the test and
measurement device is comprised of a hardwired cable
connection.
13. The wireless transceiver of claim 1, wherein the wired
connection coupling the wireless transceiver to the test and
measurement device is comprised of male connector pins.
14. A system for controlling a process, comprising: a plurality of
sensors for sensing at least one process variable at predetermined
points of the process; a plurality of wireless transmitters coupled
to corresponding ones of the plurality of sensors, each of the
plurality of wireless transmitters receiving signals including the
sensed process variable from the corresponding one of the sensors
and transmitting the signals over a wireless communication path; a
wireless communication transceiver receiving the transmitted
signals from the wireless communication path, the wireless
communication transceiver including: a microprocessor for
processing the received signals; and communication circuitry
coupled to the microprocessor, the communication circuitry having
input/output circuitry for receiving the signals, providing the
signals to the microprocessor and for transmitting processed
signals from the microprocessor to the plurality of wireless
devices; and at least one test and measurement device coupled to
the wireless communication transceiver by a non-wireless
connection, the test and measurement device receiving the processed
signals from the microprocessor over the non-wireless connection,
evaluating the process variable and controlling a predetermined
response thereto.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the process variable includes
at least one of temperature, voltage, humidity, pressure, strain,
resistance, motion, light, current, velocity and flow.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the test and measurement device
is comprised of a device that is initially coupled to one of the
sensors via a hard wired communication path.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the non-wireless connection
coupling the wireless transceiver to the at least one test and
measurement device is comprised of a hardwired cable
connection.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the non-wireless connection
coupling the wireless transceiver to the at least one test and
measurement device is comprised of male connector pins.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for sensing
or measuring a parameter of a process and, more particularly, to a
self contained module for enhancing data communication from a
sensing and measuring device to a process display, control and/or
recording device.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally speaking, it is desirable to sense and measure a
plurality of characteristics of commercial or industrial processes.
For example, process variable such as, for example, temperature,
pressure, strain, resistance, voltage, velocity, and the like, can
positively and negatively influence process control and
optimization. In view thereof, industry invests substantial
resources to accurately sense and measure processes. Typically, a
system of process controls employs sensors at various points in a
process. The sensors are coupled to test and measurement
instruments that receive data and/or information via signals from
the sensors and determine one or more process variables. The test
and measurement instruments may include displays and control
devices for exhibiting the received signals and/or determined
process variables, and for controlling a predetermined response
thereto. Typically, data, signals and/or commands are communicated
between sensors and the test and measurement instruments over
communication paths by means of point-to-point hard wired
connections such as, for example, electrical wires, fiber optic or
like connections. As can be appreciated, establishing and
maintaining such wired communication paths may be time consuming,
costly and error prone.
In the aforementioned commonly owned, U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/877,285, from which this application claims priority, a
wireless connector is taught. As disclosed in a Background Section
of this commonly owned U.S. patent document, the test and
measurement devices generally include a sensor terminated with a
connector. The connector is in turn coupled to another connector or
to a test and measurement instrument by wire, fiber optic, or other
hardwired connection. In a measurement or control application of,
for example, commercial and/or industrial processes multiple
sensors are typically attached by hardwired connections. Moreover,
the extent and/or accuracy that a particular characteristic may be
measured or controlled may be limited by a length or number of
required connections in the communication path. As described in the
application, it is advantageous to utilize multiple sensors without
the drawbacks of multiple hardwired connections. Accordingly, the
commonly owned application discloses communication paths employing
wireless connectors between sensors and test and measurement
instruments. The wireless connector includes a first connector of a
sensor such as, for example, a thermocouple, that senses a process
characteristic and converts the sensed characteristic into data
communicated via a signal. The first connector then wirelessly
transmits the signal to a second connector coupled to instrument,
meter or like process control device that processes the signal and
the data and/or information encoded therein.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be able to utilize
multiple sensors without the drawbacks of multiple hardwired
connections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A wireless transceiver is presented. The wireless transceiver
includes a microprocessor for processing signals and communication
circuitry coupled to the microprocessor. The communication
circuitry includes input/output circuitry for receiving signals
from a plurality of wireless devices over a wireless communication
path, for providing the signals to the microprocessor, and for
transmitting processed signals from the microprocessor to the
plurality of wireless devices. The input/output circuitry of the
transceiver includes a non-wireless connection coupling the
wireless transceiver to a test and measurement device. The test and
measurement device receives the processed signals from the
microprocessor, processes the received signal and data and/or
information encoded therein, and performs a predetermined
response.
In one embodiment, the plurality of wireless devices includes a
wireless connector. The wireless connector includes a sensor for
sensing a process variable and a transmitter for transmitting the
process variable as data and/or information within signals to the
wireless transceiver over the wireless communication path. In one
embodiment, the process variable includes at least one of
temperature, voltage, humidity, pressure, strain, resistance,
motion, light, current, velocity and flow.
In another embodiment, a system for controlling a process is
provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing at
least one process variable at predetermined points of the process
and a plurality of wireless transmitters coupled to corresponding
ones of the plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of wireless
transmitters receives signals including the sensed process variable
from the corresponding one of the sensors, and transmits the
signals over a wireless communication path. The system also
includes a wireless communication transceiver. The wireless
transceiver receives the transmitted signals from the wireless
transmitters. In one embodiment, the wireless communication
transceiver includes a microprocessor for processing the received
signals and communication circuitry coupled to the microprocessor.
The communication circuitry has input/output circuitry for
receiving the signals, providing the signals to the microprocessor
and for transmitting processed signals from the microprocessor to
the plurality of wireless devices. The system further includes at
least one test and measurement device coupled to the wireless
communication transceiver by a non-wireless connection. The test
and measurement device receives the processed signals from the
microprocessor over the non-wireless connection, evaluates the
process variable and controls a predetermined response thereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and other features of the presently disclosed
embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless connector in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of circuitry of the wireless
connector of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of processing circuitry of the
wireless connector of FIG. 1 according to disclosed
embodiments;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a wireless connector having a
built in or self contained sensor;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a wireless connector system for
test and measurement data communication, in accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a wireless connector system where
a connector communicates directly with an instrument, meter, or
other suitable equipment, in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a wireless transceiver system
where a wireless connector communicates sensor signals to an
instrument, meter, or other suitable equipment by means of the
transceiver, in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a wireless transceiver in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a wireless transceiver in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
In these figures like structures are assigned like reference
numerals, but may not be referenced in the description of all
figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless connector 100 for
receiving, processing and transmitting data, information and/or
control signals over a wireless communication path, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. Although the
presently disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to
the drawings, it should be understood that they may be embodied in
many alternate forms. It should also be understood that in
addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials
could be used.
The wireless connector 100 includes circuitry for processing a
signal received from a sensor and a transmitter for transmitting
the processed signal. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment the
wireless connector 100 includes a base 105, a first cover portion
110, and a second cover portion 115. The first cover portion 110
may be secured in position on the base 105 by fasteners 120 such
as, for example, two screws 120, which pass through holes 122 in
the first cover portion 110 and engage threaded bosses 124 of the
base 105. The second cover portion 115 is secured on the base 105
by any conventional means such as, for example, by making a sliding
fit on side wall ribbing 126 which may be appropriately undercut.
In one embodiment, the base 105 includes an encircling wall 128
which may be cut away (not shown) at a first end, shown generally
at 130, to permit connection of input/output lines a sensor to
appropriate contacts 132 mounted on respective terminal posts 134
secured on the base 105.
Processing circuitry 136 may also be optionally provided within the
wireless connector 100. The processing circuitry 136 may be
implemented using hardware components, one or more processors
running one or more programs, or a combination of both and may be
re-programmable to perform any suitable processing operations.
Communication circuitry 138 is included within the wireless
connector 100 for transmitting signals provided by the sensor or
signals output by the processing circuitry 136. In one embodiment,
the communication circuitry 138 is only capable of transmitting
signals. In another embodiment, the communication circuitry 138
includes transceiver circuitry for two-way wireless communication,
e.g., both for transmitting data and information signals and for
receiving data, information and command and control signals over
the wireless communication path. For example, the communication
circuitry 138 is capable of receiving command/control signals from
a remote device and, optionally, in combination with the processing
circuitry 136, performing received command/control actions or
operations based on the received command/control signals. The
communication circuitry 138 may also alter processing or
communication operations based on the received command/control
signals. In addition, the communication circuitry 138 may,
optionally, in combination with the processing circuitry 136, be
capable of transmitting command/control signals for controlling
another device communicating with the wireless connector 100.
As described herein, the communication circuitry 138 provides
wireless communication over the wireless communication path using
any of a variety of different physical and protocol layer
communication methods. For example, the communication technology
may include optical, infrared, radio transmission, RFID, or any
other suitable communication technology, and may incorporate IRDA,
IEEE 802.11, 802.15, Bluetooth, PCS or any other suitable
communication method or standard. For example, the ZigBee.TM.
standard, based on IEEE 802.15, may also be utilized for its low
power requirements, built in recognition capabilities, high
reliability and relatively small packaging size (ZIGBEE is a
registered trademark of ZigBee Alliance Corporation, San Ramon,
Calif.). In an exemplary embodiment, the communication circuitry
138 is a ZigBee end device. In other exemplary embodiments, the
communication circuitry 138 is a ZigBee coordinator or a ZigBee
router.
In one embodiment, the processing circuitry 136 and the
communication circuitry 138 are combined together as a single
module. In one embodiment, the wireless connector 100 includes a
power supply 140 that includes one or more batteries for providing
power to the processing circuitry 136, the communication circuitry
138, the sensor, or any other function requiring power. In one
embodiment, an optional emitting device 145 is connected to the
communication circuitry 138 to extend the range of communication,
for example, to extend the wireless communication path. The
emitting device 145 is included within and extends from the
wireless connector 100 as shown or may be enclosed by the wireless
connector 100. In exemplary embodiments, the emitting device 145
may be, for example, an antenna, an optical emitter, or any other
suitable emitting device. The wireless connector 100 may optionally
have various indicators and controls such as a battery status
indicator 150, a transmit/receive indicator 155, an on/off switch
160, adjustable components and additional switches 165 for
calibration and for controlling the processing circuitry 136, the
communication circuitry 138, and a display 170.
In exemplary embodiments, when assembled, the wireless connector
100 may have a form factor similar to a ceramic, or miniature
ceramic thermocouple connector body such as sold by the assignee of
the present application, Omega Engineering, Inc. (Stamford, Conn.),
under a UWTC series of product models. While the processing
circuitry 136, the communication circuitry 138, the emitting device
145, the various indicators and controls, and the power supply 140
are shown as having a particular size and shape, it should be
understood that they may have any suitable size and shape, may be
miniaturized, may be arranged together in various combinations, and
may be combined in a single package or device.
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the circuitry of the
wireless connector 100, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The circuitry includes the processing circuitry 136, the
communication circuitry 138, optional indicators and controls 215,
the optional emitting device 145, and a power supply 140. The
circuitry of the wireless connector 100 cooperates to measure,
collect, process, store and transmit over a communication path 101
data and information associated with the wireless connector 100 and
with signals 201 received from a sensor 200.
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the processing circuitry
136, according to one embodiment of the invention. The processing
circuitry 136 includes a microprocessor 220, a memory device 225, a
signal processor 230, a sensor interface 235, and an interface 240
to the communication circuitry 138. The microprocessor 220 performs
control functions, time keeping and recording functions, connector
diagnostic functions, signal processing functions and data storage
functions by executing programs stored in the memory device 225.
The memory device 225 is a computer readable medium including
magnetic, optical, semiconductor, or other storage technology. The
memory device 225 stores programs which cause the microprocessor
220 to operate according to the disclosed embodiments. The signal
processor 230 processes the signals 201 received from the sensor
200 (FIG. 2) either independently or under control of the
microprocessor 220.
The microprocessor 220 monitors and controls the communication
circuitry 138 through the interface 240. For example, the
microprocessor 220 instructs the communication circuitry 138 to
establish communication over the communication path 101 with
another device. The microprocessor 220 provides the communication
circuitry 138 with data and/or information, e.g., signals 201 from
the sensor 200 or processed signals from the signal processor 230,
and instructs the communication circuitry 138 to transmit the data
and/or information over the wireless communication path 101, for
example, on a periodic basis. In the event that communication with
the other device is lost, the microprocessor 220 may instruct the
communication circuitry 138 to monitor the connection and to
re-establish communication when the other device becomes available
and to resume transmission of the data and/or information.
The microprocessor 220 may also operate to store data and/or
information related to the signals 201 received from the sensor 200
or processed signals from the signal processor 230. For example,
signals 201 including data and/or information from the sensor 200
and/or from the signal processor 230 may be accumulated and stored
in the memory 225 for transmission at a later time period. In one
embodiment, the signals 201 including data and/or information may
be accumulated, stored in the memory 225, and then transmitted when
instructed by the microprocessor 220, for example, in response to
an event, on a particular date/time, or in response to a switch
closure or a command received through the communication circuitry
138. Using the example above, the signals 201 from the sensor 200
may be accumulated and stored in the memory 225 during periods of
lost communication and then sent when communication is
re-established.
In exemplary embodiments, the microprocessor 220 or the signal
processor 230, alone or in combination, process, modify or
condition the signals 201 from the sensor 200. For example,
microprocessor 220 or signal processor 230 may filter, amplify,
compress, apply various algorithms or functions, or otherwise
manipulate or clarify the signals 201 from the sensor 200. As
another example microprocessor 220 or signal processor 230, alone
or in combination may process, modify or condition the signals 201
from the sensor 200 to accommodate characteristics of a device
receiving the transmitted data. The processed, modified or
conditioned signals may be transmitted or stored and transmitted as
described above, e.g., over the wireless communication path 101.
The microprocessor 220 and the signal processor 230 may also
provide other types of data and/or information for transmission or
storage and transmission. For example, test or measurement time
stamps may be included in the signals 201 from the sensor 200, a
connector serial number, a functional state or status of the
connector 100 derived from running diagnostic functions, power
supply information, location in real time, and the like. Moreover,
the data and/or information transmitted may include parity bits or
like measures for ensuring complete point-to-point transmission.
The data and/or information transmitted may also employ security
protocols including encryption and the like to provide secure
transmission.
In one embodiment, the sensor 200 is a transducer capable of
converting a measurable process characteristic to a signal for use
by the wireless connector 100. For example, the sensor 200 may
include a measurement device for sensing pressure, temperature,
humidity, gas, pH, infrared, ultraviolet, visible light, voltage,
current, power, conductivity, strain, load or acceleration. In an
example where the sensor 200 is a thermocouple, such as a type-K
thermocouple, the microprocessor 220 or the signal processor 230,
alone or in combination, process, modify or condition the signals
201 from sensor 200 to appear as another type of thermocouple such
as, for example, a type-J thermocouple while maintaining
temperature accuracy. As a result, a J-type receiving device, such
as a panel meter may display the proper temperature regardless of
the type of thermocouple used to collect the temperature data.
Thus, different types of sensors may be used as measuring devices
for different types of receiving devices and instruments.
Returning to FIG. 2, the processing circuitry 136 is connected to
the communication circuitry 138 through a signal path 210. Both the
processing circuitry 136 and the communication circuitry 138 may be
connected to the optional indicators and controls 215, including
the indicators 150 and 155, the display 170, and the adjustable
components 165. The emitting device 145 is connected to the
communication circuitry 138 for transmitting data and/or
information over the wireless communication path 101. The power
supply 140 supplies power to all components requiring power.
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a wireless connector 300 with a built
in or self contained sensor 310. The sensor 310 may be enclosed by
the wireless connector 300 or may extend beyond the boundaries of
the connector's body (e.g., the base 105). The wireless connector
300 includes the processing circuitry 136 and the communication
circuitry 138 and may optionally include the indicators and
controls 215, including the indicators 150 and 155, the display
170, the adjustable components 165, and the emitting device
145.
FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a wireless connector system
400 for test and measurement data communication along a wireless
communication path 401 between a plurality of devices. In FIG. 5,
the sensor 200 is connected to and provides test and measurement
signals (e.g., the signals 201) to the wireless connector 100. The
wireless connector 100 processes the test and measurement signals
and transmits the signals over a wireless communication path 401
using any of the protocols mentioned above, or any other suitable
wireless communication protocol. A second connector 410 includes
data communication circuitry 415 for receiving the signals 201
transmitted by the wireless connector 100. The data communication
circuitry 415 may include two way communication capabilities to
receive signals from the wireless connector 100 and to exchange
data, information such as status information, command and control
information, and the like. In one embodiment, the data
communication circuitry 415 controls the communication circuitry
138 and the processing circuitry 136 of the wireless connector 410
by issuing commands and instructions. For example, the data
communication circuitry 415 instructs the communication circuitry
138 and the processing circuitry 136 of the connector 100 to
process test and measurement signals 201 from the sensor 200, and
to transmit the data and/or information at a predetermined rate or
during a particular date/time slot to the connector 410. As a
further example, the data communication circuitry 415 may also
instruct the processing circuitry 136 to process the received
signals 201 using particular techniques or algorithms. For example,
the data communication circuitry 415 instructs the communication
circuitry 138 and the processing circuitry 136 to start up, shut
down, or to activate another device such as a relay or display.
The data communication circuitry 415 may also manage communication
among a plurality of wireless connectors (e.g., the wireless
connectors 100 and 300 as described below) by independently
recognizing each of the plurality of connectors as they
communicate, and assigning each of the plurality of connectors
different communication channels, for example, different
frequencies, time slots, chipping codes, or other differentiating
communication characteristics. The second connector 410 may
optionally include an external emitting device 430. The second
connector 410 may also communicate with the connector 300 or
multiple connectors 100 and 300. In an exemplary embodiment data
communication circuitry 415 may be a ZigBee coordinator or a ZigBee
router.
In one embodiment, the second connector 400 includes a power
supply, for example, a battery for supplying power to data
communication circuitry 415. Similar to disclosed embodiments of
the connectors 100 and 300, in one embodiment the second connector
410 may have a form factor similar to a ceramic or miniature
thermocouple connector body. The second connector 410 may also have
male connector pins 420, 425 with cylindrical or blade shaped
extending contacts.
The second connector 410 may plug into an instrument, meter, or
other suitable equipment (described below) and provide signals from
the sensor 200 to the equipment. Thus, the signals 201 from the
sensor 200 may be provided without a hardwired connection between
the sensor 200, the connectors 100 and 410, and the test and
measurement equipment.
FIG. 6 shows yet another aspect of the invention, where the
connector 100 communicates directly with an instrument, meter, or
other suitable equipment 510. The equipment 510 may include data
communication circuitry 515 for receiving the signals (e.g., the
signals 201) transmitted by the connector 100 over a wireless
communication path 501. The equipment 510 may optionally include an
external emitting device 520. The data communication circuitry 515
may include two way communication capabilities to receive the
signals from the connector 100 and to exchange data, information
such as status information, and command/control information. The
data communication circuitry 515 may have all the capabilities of
the data communication circuitry 415 described above. Similar to
the data communication circuitry 415 described above, the data
communication circuitry 515 may also manage communication among
multiple connectors (e.g., the connectors 100 and 300) by
recognizing additional connectors as they communicate and assigning
them different communication channels, for example, different
frequencies, time slots, chipping codes, or other differentiating
communication characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, the data
communication circuitry 515 may be a ZigBee coordinator or a ZigBee
router.
In one embodiment, the equipment 510 includes test and measurement
capabilities. For example, the equipment 510 may be any one or any
combination of a meter, test equipment or a control device for
processing pressure, temperature, humidity, gas, pH, infrared,
ultraviolet, visible light, voltage, current, power, conductivity,
strain, or acceleration. Similar to other embodiments, the signals
201 from the sensor 200 may be provided without a hardwired
connection between the sensor 200 and the equipment 510 such as by
being transmitted over the wireless communication path 501. The
equipment 510 may also communicate over a second wireless
communication path 301 with the connector 300 having a built in
sensor (e.g., the sensor 310) as described above. The equipment 510
may include circuitry 520 for driving a display to present data
related to the received signal in human readable form. The
equipment 510 may also include processing circuitry 515 for further
conditioning the received signal and process control circuitry 525
for controlling an external process 530 using the received signal
or an output of processing circuitry 515.
Other embodiments of the wireless connector 100 may be included as
part of a thermocouple assembly, imbedded into a thermocouple head
and well assembly, or into a thermocouple package or housing. The
wireless connector 100 may be connected to thermocouple assemblies,
pressure transducers, load cells, anemometers, and other sensors,
as well as RTDs and thermistors. Alternately, the components of the
wireless connector 100 may be incorporated into these and other
types of assemblies.
In one aspect of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 7, the wireless
connector 100 transmits the signals 201 received from the sensor
200 over a wireless communication path 601 to a universal wireless
transceiver 600. The universal wireless transceiver 600 is coupled
via a non-wireless connection 620 to a test and measurement device
650 such as, for example, a panel meter, for processing the signals
201 and data and information encoded therein, e.g., pressure,
temperature, humidity, gas, pH, infrared, ultraviolet, visible
light, voltage, current, power, conductivity, strain, or
acceleration measurements and/or for transmitting command/control
signals from the test and measurement device 650 to the wireless
connector 100. In one embodiment, the test and measurement device
650 includes a display for exhibiting the received signals and/or a
process control device for evaluating the process variable and for
controlling a predetermined response thereto. It should be
appreciated that, in effect, the universal wireless transceiver 600
converts the test and measurement device 650 into a device capable
of sending and receiving signals over a wireless communication
path. For example, input/output connections, shown generally at
652, of the test and measurement device 650 that were previously
not wireless (e.g., non-wireless such as a hardwired cable or like
connection) to sensors and other process measuring devices, are now
coupled to the universal wireless transceiver 600 by input/output
circuitry of the wireless transceiver 600, for example, the
non-wireless connection 620, and the universal wireless transceiver
600 transmits/receives signals to/from wireless process measuring
devices (e.g., the wireless connector 100) over the wireless
communication path 601. Accordingly, the test and measurement
device 650 is now capable of sending/receiving data, information
and/or command/control information to wireless measuring devices
that monitor such process variables as, for example, temperature,
voltage, humidity, pressure, strain, resistance, motion, light,
current, velocity, flow and the like.
In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, the universal wireless
transceiver 600 includes a base 602 for electronic circuitry such
as, for example, a printed circuit board or the like, a first cover
portion 616, and a second cover portion 618. The first cover
portion 616 may be secured in position about the base 602 by
fasteners 617 such as, for example, screws, which pass through
holes 619 in the second cover portion 618 and engage threaded
bosses or the like (not shown) of the first cover portion 616. As
shown in FIG. 8, the circuitry of the universal wireless
transceiver 600 includes power regulator circuitry 604, a
microprocessor 606 and communication circuitry 608 such as
transceiver circuitry 610. The microprocessor 606 may be
implemented using hardware components, one or more processors
running one or more programs, or a combination of both and may be
re-programmable to perform any suitable processing operations. As
noted above, the communication circuitry 608 includes the
transceiver circuitry 610 (e.g., a transceiver 610) for two-way
wireless communication, e.g., both for transmitting data,
information and command/control signals and for receiving data and
information signals over the wireless communication path 601. In
exemplary embodiments, the communication circuitry 608 also
includes digital and/or analog input and/or output circuitry and an
emitting device 612 such as, for example, an antenna, an optical
emitter, or any other suitable emitting device.
As shown in FIG. 8, the non-wireless connection 620 between the
universal wireless transceiver 600 and the test and measurement
device 650 is comprised of a cable 620' coupled to leads 614 of the
base 602. As is generally known in the art, the cable connection
620' includes means 622 for securing the non-wireless connection
620 to the first and second cover portions 616 and 618 such as, for
example, a threaded cable connector or coupling.
The universal wireless transceiver 600 includes the power regulator
circuitry 604 disposed on the base 602 for delivering electrical
power to components of the universal wireless transceiver 600. In
one embodiment, the power regulator circuitry 604 includes an
internal power supply such as, for example, a battery. In another
embodiment, power regulator circuitry 604 requires no internal
power supply (e.g., battery) and instead receives electrical power
from a host instrument (e.g., the test and measurement device 650)
or is coupled to an external power source. Accordingly, the
universal wireless transceiver 600 is a self contained wireless
device that may be mounted to an existing non-wireless test and
measurement device or instrument. By coupling the universal
wireless transceiver 600 to the existing device or instrument
allows the instrument to receive wireless data and information
(e.g., measurements of process variables) from a wide selection of
sensors such as, for example, temperature, voltage, humidity,
pressure, strain, resistance, motion, light, current, air velocity
and flow measuring devices. For example, the universal wireless
transceiver 600 receives data and information over the wireless
communication path 601, processes the measurement data and
information (e.g., with microprocessor 606), for example, converts
the measurement data and/or information to an analog or digital
output signal that is then feed or provided to the input/output
connections 652 of the test and measurement device 650.
It should be appreciated that similar to the data communication
circuitry 415 and 515 described above, the communication circuitry
608 of the universal wireless transceiver 600 manages communication
from a plurality of sensors and/or wireless connectors (e.g., the
wireless connectors 100 and 300) by individually recognizing the
sensors and/or connectors and assigning them different
communication channels in the wireless communication path 601, for
example, different frequencies, time slots, chipping codes, or
other differentiating communication characteristics. For example,
in one embodiment, the communication circuitry 608 may include a
ZigBee coordinator or a ZigBee router. In one embodiment, the
communication circuitry 608 employs automatic communication channel
switching (e.g., RF channel switching) to minimize or eliminate
interference from other wireless communication devices.
In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, a wireless transceiver
700 includes the circuitry of the universal wireless transceiver
600, for example, the power regulator circuitry 604, the
microprocessor 606 and the communication circuitry 608 such as the
transceiver circuitry 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the
wireless transceiver 700 includes an internal power supply, for
example, a battery for supplying power to components of the
wireless transceiver 700. The wireless transceiver 700 differs from
the wireless transceiver 600 (FIG. 8) in that the non-wireless
connection 620 is comprised of male connector pins 710 and 720 and
does not include the hardwired cable connection 620'. The male
connector pins 710 and 720, respectively, are received by
corresponding input/output connectors 810 and 820 of a test and
measurement device 800 such as, for example, a portable, handheld
test and measurement device. In one embodiment, the handheld test
and measurement device 800 is a handheld multi-meter, thermometer,
or the like. In one embodiment, the input/output connectors 810 and
820 are cylindrical or blade shaped extending contacts. As noted
above, the wireless transceiver 700 provides two-way wireless
communication between the handheld device 800 and sensors 200 over
a wireless communication path 801, e.g., both for transmitting data
and information signals from the sensors 200 to the handheld device
800 and for receiving data, information and/or command/control
signals from the test and measurement device 800 (e.g., the
handheld device 800) to the sensors 200 over a wireless
communication path 801.
Thus, the disclosed embodiments provide a mechanism to utilize
multiple sensors for monitoring and control a process without the
drawbacks of installing and maintaining multiple hardwired
connections. Moreover, the disclosed embodiments teach systems and
methods for converting existing systems using test and measurement
equipment hardwired to sensors, into systems that use test and
measurement equipment that is coupled to sensors by wireless
communication connections. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments
generally eliminate the need for wired connections from and between
sensors and test and measurement devices and controllers.
It should be understood that the foregoing description is only
illustrative of the present embodiments. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the
embodiments are intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
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